Electrochemical performance of graphite anode with various electrode compressibilities for long-life Li-ion battery

The effect of electrode compressibility for discharge rate and cycle performance on the natural graphite (NG) anode in Li-ion batteries was studied. Roll-pressing the NG electrode increases electrical contact, which benefits the high discharge rate. However, high roll pressing of NG electrodes accumulates stress and limits the volume increase, thereby leading to poor cyclability. The mixture of NG and mesocarbon microbeads (MCMBs) provides more appropriate electrical contact and exhibits excellent cycle performance as compared to pure NG and MCMB. Therefore, NG-MCMB composite electrodes may emerge as practical and promising anode materials for secondary Li-ion batteries.